KENNY G Dimitriou's Jazz Alley Residency from 12/26/25 through 12/31/25 (two shows per night). Seattle, WA Review!
KENNY G
Residency 12/26/25 through 12/31/25 (two shows per night - 12 shows total - all sold out)
Dimitriou's Jazz Alley
Seattle, WA
Friday - December 26, 2025 9:30pm Performance
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I was born in Seattle, WA. I was raised in Kirkland, WA. I live north of Seattle, WA now.
I am a fan of Kenny G.
Based on the sold out twelve shows in his residency at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, I am not alone. Not by a long shot.
I’ll say it again for those not paying attention.
I am a fan of Kenny G.
His late show on the first night of his residency only reinforced that fact. As a musician and a creative type myself, he performed, entertained, and created a mood for the audience that was damn near second to none.
As he stood by the bar entrance in the darkness, going over a few acoustic runs on his instrument while the announcements were made from the stage, I was positioned off to one side to capture the mood of the crowd. I could see heads turn as certain fans' ears heard the notes traveling through the air but didn’t quite know where they were coming from.
Kenny G emerged from the back and as the strains of the keyboard introduction of “Loving You” came over the PA, he slowly walked through the audience to mesmerize and connect with the audience. Phones came out, smiles on many people’s faces as he neared their tables, and the mood was expertly set.
As he continued to walk through the crowd, he hit a single note during his introduction of “Silhouette” - to showcase his circular breathing technique - and he walked from one end of the main floor, up to the second floor, and back down again. All the while waving and/or high fiving or fist bumping fans as he went by (including me).
This has to be one of the smartest ways for a musician to start a show. The barrier between artist and audience disappeared. Everyone in the audience became one collective at that moment and it was a joy to behold.
Kenny G introduced his band, many of whom have ties to the Seattle area as well. Each of them soloed at least once during the show. I would say there was more jamming and improvisation in this show than he is given credit for. Every musician in the band was tight as could be. The chemistry between all of them was also apparent with every song they played.
The late night set included several of the hits, one holiday tune in “Winter Wonderland”, teases of familiar songs sprinkled throughout the show, a Stan Getz extended jazz jam, a pleasant surprise in the cover of “Pick Up The Pieces”, and of course ending with “Songbird”.
Kenny G spoke several times between songs and was engaging and comedic. He is a master entertainer and it’s no surprise how well he commands the stage after performing for decades all around the world.
What I’d like to add is that whether you like him or not, the man can play his instrument(s). It’s not a comparison contest. It’s not a genre contest. Any musician who doesn’t get caught up in the bullshit that musicians engage with from time to time will, or at least should, recognize that Kenny G is a first class musician. He continues to strive to be the best player he can be with no signs of slowing down.
If I like something, I like it. End of story. I don't believe in guilty pleasures at all. For me it always comes back to a simple question. “Do you like it or do you not?” I like it.
I also had the wonderful opportunity to ask Kenny G a few questions:
Eclectic Arts Media: For most musicians, performing live is where it’s at. What do you do to prepare for a set before you take the stage?
Kenny G: I practice a few hours during the day, exercise, and just eat my big meal at about 1pm so I have an empty stomach for the shows.
Eclectic Arts Media: You’re a world renowned artist. What excites you about performing live after all these years?
Kenny G: I get excited about every performance. It’s the challenge of trying to chase perfection and knowing one can’t really ever get there.
Eclectic Arts Media: How important is improvisation in your live shows?
Kenny G: It’s the center of the whole show. We let the moment take us away while at the same time, we make sure to cross our T’s and dot our I’s …..it’s the combination of doing things that are rehearsed with letting the improvisation of the moment come into play, too.
Eclectic Arts Media: I saw you perform back when the “Kenny G Live” album was released. How has your approach to your live shows changed over the years?
Kenny G: It hasn’t . We play each show like we are at Carnegie hall and our career depends on it!!
Eclectic Arts Media: Have you had any recent “pancakes” (mistakes/mishaps) during any of your more recent live shows?
Kenny G: The power went off at our show in Reading PA. and so we had to play some music accapella without a sound system. But it just made the show even more personable.
Eclectic Arts Media: What's coming up in 2026 for you?
Kenny G: We go to Mexico in February, Asia in July, and Italy in August…then Florida for December. That’s all I know at the moment. Super fun and we are all looking forward to it.
As I stated earlier, I am a fan of Kenny G.
And last night he was fucking stellar! The rest of the residency audiences in Seattle are in for one heck of a treat. Welcome back to Seattle, Kenny G!
Highly recommended!
Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: Social Media and Email Links
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Residency 12/26/25 through 12/31/25 (two shows per night - 12 shows total - all sold out)
Dimitriou's Jazz Alley
Seattle, WA
Friday - December 26, 2025 9:30pm Performance
.jpeg)
(All Photos by Mark Sugiyama for Eclectic Arts Media (c) 2025)
I was born in Seattle, WA. I was raised in Kirkland, WA. I live north of Seattle, WA now.
I am a fan of Kenny G.
Based on the sold out twelve shows in his residency at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, I am not alone. Not by a long shot.
I’ll say it again for those not paying attention.
I am a fan of Kenny G.
His late show on the first night of his residency only reinforced that fact. As a musician and a creative type myself, he performed, entertained, and created a mood for the audience that was damn near second to none.
As he stood by the bar entrance in the darkness, going over a few acoustic runs on his instrument while the announcements were made from the stage, I was positioned off to one side to capture the mood of the crowd. I could see heads turn as certain fans' ears heard the notes traveling through the air but didn’t quite know where they were coming from.
Kenny G emerged from the back and as the strains of the keyboard introduction of “Loving You” came over the PA, he slowly walked through the audience to mesmerize and connect with the audience. Phones came out, smiles on many people’s faces as he neared their tables, and the mood was expertly set.
As he continued to walk through the crowd, he hit a single note during his introduction of “Silhouette” - to showcase his circular breathing technique - and he walked from one end of the main floor, up to the second floor, and back down again. All the while waving and/or high fiving or fist bumping fans as he went by (including me).
This has to be one of the smartest ways for a musician to start a show. The barrier between artist and audience disappeared. Everyone in the audience became one collective at that moment and it was a joy to behold.
Kenny G introduced his band, many of whom have ties to the Seattle area as well. Each of them soloed at least once during the show. I would say there was more jamming and improvisation in this show than he is given credit for. Every musician in the band was tight as could be. The chemistry between all of them was also apparent with every song they played.
The late night set included several of the hits, one holiday tune in “Winter Wonderland”, teases of familiar songs sprinkled throughout the show, a Stan Getz extended jazz jam, a pleasant surprise in the cover of “Pick Up The Pieces”, and of course ending with “Songbird”.
Kenny G spoke several times between songs and was engaging and comedic. He is a master entertainer and it’s no surprise how well he commands the stage after performing for decades all around the world.
What I’d like to add is that whether you like him or not, the man can play his instrument(s). It’s not a comparison contest. It’s not a genre contest. Any musician who doesn’t get caught up in the bullshit that musicians engage with from time to time will, or at least should, recognize that Kenny G is a first class musician. He continues to strive to be the best player he can be with no signs of slowing down.
If I like something, I like it. End of story. I don't believe in guilty pleasures at all. For me it always comes back to a simple question. “Do you like it or do you not?” I like it.
(All Photos by Mark Sugiyama for Eclectic Arts Media (c) 2025)
I also had the wonderful opportunity to ask Kenny G a few questions:
Eclectic Arts Media: For most musicians, performing live is where it’s at. What do you do to prepare for a set before you take the stage?
Kenny G: I practice a few hours during the day, exercise, and just eat my big meal at about 1pm so I have an empty stomach for the shows.
Eclectic Arts Media: You’re a world renowned artist. What excites you about performing live after all these years?
Kenny G: I get excited about every performance. It’s the challenge of trying to chase perfection and knowing one can’t really ever get there.
Eclectic Arts Media: How important is improvisation in your live shows?
Kenny G: It’s the center of the whole show. We let the moment take us away while at the same time, we make sure to cross our T’s and dot our I’s …..it’s the combination of doing things that are rehearsed with letting the improvisation of the moment come into play, too.
Eclectic Arts Media: I saw you perform back when the “Kenny G Live” album was released. How has your approach to your live shows changed over the years?
Kenny G: It hasn’t . We play each show like we are at Carnegie hall and our career depends on it!!
Eclectic Arts Media: Have you had any recent “pancakes” (mistakes/mishaps) during any of your more recent live shows?
Kenny G: The power went off at our show in Reading PA. and so we had to play some music accapella without a sound system. But it just made the show even more personable.
Eclectic Arts Media: What's coming up in 2026 for you?
Kenny G: We go to Mexico in February, Asia in July, and Italy in August…then Florida for December. That’s all I know at the moment. Super fun and we are all looking forward to it.
(All Photos by Mark Sugiyama for Eclectic Arts Media (c) 2025)
As I stated earlier, I am a fan of Kenny G.
And last night he was fucking stellar! The rest of the residency audiences in Seattle are in for one heck of a treat. Welcome back to Seattle, Kenny G!
Highly recommended!
Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: Social Media and Email Links
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(All Photos by Mark Sugiyama for Eclectic Arts Media (c) 2025)
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